Chapter Four

Both elf and human thought pieces of the sky had fallen into Nilmandra's eyes. They were stunned. Elrond had left at some point, now assured that both maidens would recover. Neither Legolas nor Estel had noticed his departure.

Nilmandra, it seemed, was much more forward than her spirit sister, for she stated one simple question that demanded answering. "And who might you be?"

Legolas and Aragorn lost their tongues for a moment. Belil and Nilmandra exchanged exasperated looks. This always happened. Legolas recovered first, but barely.

"I am Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of Mirkwood." Legolas stated. His use of title was not lost on Estel. He was trying to outdo him!

"And I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir of Isildur." Estel finished, and shot a grin at his friend.

Both elf maids' jaws dropped open.

"Prince Legolas?" Belil said with wonder. She turned to Nilmandra "He is the one who saved us." Belil explained excitedly.

"We are more honored than you know." Nilmandra whispered, lowering her eyes. At that moment, Elrond called Estel and Legolas to him and the elf maids were left alone.

Morning came and found the girls on the terrace, enjoying nature's bounty and the beauty of Imladris.

"It's so lovely here, isn't it?" Belil asked of her friend. Nilmandra was drawn into herself this morning and Belil was trying her best to coax her friend to smile and laugh.

"Yes, it is lovely. Makes it hard to believe all that's happened in the last few days." Nilmandra replied wistfully.

Suddenly a welcome voice interrupted their sad thoughts. "Here you two are!" Legolas beamed. "I have a surprise for you." He grinned and held out a cloth wrapped package to the two elf women. Belil took the package, but could not take her eyes off the strange elf with Legolas. Nilmandra nudged her and they both opened the package together.

"Our blades!" they squealed in unison. Thinking they had been lost broke their hearts for they had been made identical. The phrase engraved on them was:

fea selera

The hilt of Nilmandra's was carved turquoise while Belil's was ivory. Made to match their eyes by their doting fathers. Two pairs of sparkling eyes shined up at Legolas. "I think I deserve a hug for this gift, don't you Haldir?" Legolas asked of his friend, shooting him a sly grin.

Haldir's eyes twinkled, but a smile never crossed his face as he answered, "You would do anything for the affections of a beautiful maiden, Legolas."

Legolas got his hugs along with a kiss on each cheek as Haldir sighed impatiently, a smile finally breaking the serious lines of his face.

"Would you two feel strong enough for a walk through Elrond's famous gardens?" Haldir asked.

"We would love to." Both girls answered in their musical voices.

Belil didn't wait for help up. She reached out and took a hold of Haldir's hand, giving him no choice but to help. His shock mirrored Legolas', but did not come even close to Nilmandra's

"Shall we?" Belil asked innocently, knowing full well what she had just caused.

Mentally shaking off the shock, the four of them started for the gardens of Rivendell. Nilmandra being supported with Legolas' left arm around her waist and her right hand in his. Haldir was a little more formal with just offering his arm and then placing his hand on Belil's hand that was resting on said arm. Haldir refused to hope that this exquisite beauty would be interested in him, especially with Legolas right there. Belil hid a small knowing grin.

They had walked for a ways in silence when Legolas spoke up. "If it is not still too near, I should like to know how you came by your injuries."

"We shall tell you prince; if you would but sit us by that wonderful waterfall." Nilmandra answered.

After having been seated, (Belil had to grip onto Haldir's hand to make him sit beside her) Nilmandra started the tale.

"It was an ambush. The orcs came from nowhere and everywhere." She paused, glancing at Belil. "The warriors fought bravely, but we were sorely outnumbered. Belil fought like a demon, and then they swarmed on her." At this point, memories of almost losing her spirit sister closed her throat, choking the words back.

Belil finished for her. "Nilmandra came to my rescue, as I would for her." She sent her friend a soft look. "She just jumped right in there. I gained my feet, but a few moments later we were down. They left us for dead." The same emotions also softened Belil's voice. The two male elves swallowed at the picture of horror that was painted for them.

"Enough of this talk, "Haldir said gruffly. "Let us see the rest of the gardens." He stood abruptly, and Belil did not have to "throw" herself at him this time. He scooped her out of the bench and strode farther down the path as Belil shot Nilmandra and Legolas a triumphant look and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I have to admire her even more now." Legolas said with awe.

"Why?" Nilmandra asked, quite perplexed herself at her friends behavior. She had never been so forward.

Legolas sent Nilmandra a dazzling smile. "Four thousand years, and he has never carried a female, or anyone, who was not dying in the heat of battle." Legolas chuckled and took Haldir's lead and scooped Nilmandra into his arms and followed them down the path.

Well, how is it so far? If you want more, just review. Honest, there is torture and stuff in it soon. But you have to like this before I will type anymore Please review!.